Bow string release devices

ABSTRACT

A bow string release device for use by archers to effect controlled consistent release of a bow string and discharge of an arrow. The release device includes a pair of movably connected jaw members each having a forwardly extended lip. The lips are movable with the jaw members toward each other to provide a bow string retaining eye, and away from each other to provide an open throat for release of the bow string. Digital pressure on fingerengaging arms located on each jaw member governs opening and closure of the lips. The jaw members are substantially coplanar in their entirety. The device has finger release portions that are positioned between the pin pivotally connecting jaw members and a bow string being operated upon. The jaw members may be connected by a flexible beam that is flexed in order to have the jaw members move relative to one another.

'United States Patent 1 1 Dodge 1 1 Nov. 25, 1975 1 BOW STRING RELEASE DEVICES 22 Filed: July 10, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 487,290

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 408,756, Oct. 23,

1973, abandoned.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 796,543 8/1905 Viser 81/416 X 2,197,128 4/1940 Harrison.... 81/389 X 3,282,137 11/1966 Lovelace 81/302 3,393,680 7/1968 Curutchet 128/321 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 452,953 9/1936 United Kingdom 124/35 A Primary ExaminerRichard J. Apley Assistant ExaminerWilliam R. Browne Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Burd, Braddock & Bartz [57] ABSTRACT A bow string release device for use by archers to effect controlled consistent release of a bow string and discharge of an arrow. The release device includes a pair of movably connected jaw members each having a forwardly extended lip. The lips are movable with the jaw members toward each other to provide a bow string retaining eye, and away from each other to provide an open throat for release of the bow string. Digital pressure on finger-engaging arms located on each jaw member governs opening and closure of the lips. The jaw members are substantially coplanar in their entirety. The device has finger release portions that are positioned between the pin pivotally connecting jaw members and a bow string being operated upon. The jaw members may be connected by a flexible beam that is flexed in order to have the jaw members move relative to one another.

26 Claims, 16 Drawing Fig'ures US. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheetl0f3 3,921,615

US. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet2of3 3,921,615

. FIE-1215' US. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet 3 of 3 BOW STRING RELEASE DEVICES CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the field of archery, it is common for an archer to employ a mechanical bow string grip and release device to effect discharge of the arrow as an alternative to using only thetips of the fingers. See U.S. Pat. No. 229,089 to Bumham, and US Pat. No. 2,000,015 to Flury. Such devices save wear and tear on the fingers and effect a consistent controlled release of the arrow. The devices of the prior art typically combine spring and trigger mechanisms for release of the bow string. See U.S. Pat. No. 1,542,159 to Maxwell and U.S. Pat. No. 2,488,597 to Konold. In such bow string releases, it is desirable that, upon discharge of the arrow, both the archers hand and the release device move as little as possible so as not to divert the path of the arrow. The archers hand should be disposed in a natural, comfortable position. Also, the quicker the release of the bow string by the release device, the more force imparted to the arrow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a bow string release device usable in conjunction with a bow string mounted on a bow to effect consistent controlled release of the bow string and discharge of an arrow along an intended forward longitudinal axis of travel. The release device ineludes a pair of movably connected jaw members. A lip extends forwardly on each jaw member. The two lips are adapted to be pivoted toward each other to define an eye for retaining a drawn bow string, and to be moved apart to provide an open throat to effect release of the bow string and discharge of the arrow. Opening and closing of the lips is governed by digital pressure on linger engaging portions of each jaw member located ahead of or in general lateral alignment with means movably connecting the jaw members. In one preferred embodiment, a linger loop of each jaw member is located laterally opposite the lip ofthe jaw member on an imaginary line generally passing through the pivot point of the two jaw members and parallel to the intended path of the arrow. Rearward digital pressure on the finger engaging portions of the jaw members, as occasioned by drawing back the bow string, biases the lips in the closed position to retain a portion of the bow string. Assistance in maintaining the lips closed may be offerctl by a third digit, as the thumb. Release of the bow I str ng is accomplished by relaxing the digital pressure I on the finger engaging portion of the jaw members, or

jlflfi is to provide such a device which effects practically instantaneous release of the bow string. A yet further object is to provide such a device which is small,como tnhle to use. and lacks spring and trigger mecha- 2 nisms. Further objects will become apparent upon the following description.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a side elevational view of an arrow in drawn relationship to a bow, the bow string being drawn by an archer using a bow string release device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top plan view of the bow string release device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the bow string release device of FIG. 1 in the open position;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the bow string release device taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the bow string release device of FIG. 2 taken along the line 55 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a bow string release device accordign to a second embodiment of the invention, inan open position;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the bow string release device of FIG. 6 but in a closed position;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the bow string release device of FIG. 6 taken along the line 8-8 thereof;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the bow string release device of FIG. 6 taken along the line 99 thereof;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a bow string release device according to a third embodiment of the invention, in an open position;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the bow string release device of FIG. 10 but in a closed position;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the bow string release device of FIG. 10 taken along the line 10-10 thereof;

FIG. 13 is an end view of the bow string release device of FIG. 10 taken along the line 13-13 thereof;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a bow string release device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in a closed position;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the bow string release device of FIG. 14 in an open position; and

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the bow string release device of FIG. 14 taken along the line 16-16 thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 an arrow 10 set and drawn in a bow 1 l, the nock 12 of the arrow engaging the bow string 14 in the conventional manner. Bow 11 and bow string 14 generally define a bow string plane. The left hand 15 of an archer is forwardly extended and siezes the forward portion or grip of the bow 11. The fingers of the right hand 16 of the archer engage a release device 18 of a first embodiment of the invention in a bow string tensioning position relative to bow l1 and bow string 14. Release device 18 engages a portion of bow string 14 and is drawn rearward to the position shown in FIG. 1 preparatory to release and discharge of the arrow 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, bow string release 18 includes a pair of movable connected lever or jaw members 19, 20. A first jaw member 19 includes a first arm 32 having an enlarged body portion 22 and a finger engaging contour or closed finger loop 34 extending diagonally forward from body portion 22. A lip 26 extends angularly forward on arm 32 in a direction opposite finger loop 34, to a position laterally opposite first finger loop 34 relative to the intended axis to travel of an arrow. A second jaw member 20 is generally symmetrical to first jaw member 19, having a second arm 33 with an enforward from body portion 23. The two body portions 22, 23 are recessed and in mating contact with one another, being pivotally connected by pivot pin 24. A second lip 27 extends angularly forward from second arm 33 in a direction opposite to the second finger loop 35, to a position laterally opposite second finger loop 35 on the intended axis of travel of an arrow.

Lips 26, 27 are located forward of pivot 24 on laterally opposite sides of the intended axis of travel of the arrow. The finger loops 34, 35 of arms 32, 33 are located more or less in general lateral alignment with pivot 24, being slightly forward thereof. It may be seen that the angular disposition between each lip and each finger loop is generally complementary or 90, and the lip of one arm crossesv or intersects the lip of the other whereby the lip and finger engaging loop of each arm are on opposite sides of the intended axis of travel of the arrow.

Lips 26, 27 extending forward from the respective arms 32, 33 have outwardly curved, facing surfaces. Each lip 26, 27 is provided with a shoulder 26A, 27A, each defining an interior facing notch or recess. The lips 26, 27 are pivotal with the arms 32, 33. toward one another to a first position, as shown in FIG. 2, whereby the recesses defined by facing shoulders 26A, 27A define an eye 28 to accommodate and restrain a section of bow string 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the lips 26, 27 are pivotal away from each other to a second position defining an open throat 29 for insertion and release of the bow string. The opposing, outwardly curved faces of lips 26, 27 define in the open or second position, a

mouth 30 leading to throat 29 for ease of insertion of a section of thebow string 14 into the eye 28, as when an archer has his eye trained on a game animal. It may be seen that rearward digital pressure on the finger loops 34, 35 effects movement of the lips 26, 27 toward a closed position to form the eye 28, and sustained digital pressure on the finger loops, as that occasioned by drawing the bow string rearward, maintains the lips closed.

On first jaw 19 extending rearward from arm 32 diagonally opposite finger loop 34 is an auxiliary rear lever member or rear finger loop 37. Likewise, on second jaw extending rearward from the arm 33 diagonally opposite the second finger loop 35 is a second auxiliary rear lever member or a second rear finger loop 38. Digital pressure between forward finger loop 34 on first jaw 19 and the rear finger loop 38 on second jaw 20, or conversely, digital pressure between the forward finger loop 35 on second jaw 20 and the rear finger loop 38 on first jaw 19, effects movement of the lips 26, 27 toward the closed position to form the eye 28.

Adjsuting means are provided on the release device 18 for adjustment of the amount of relative pivotal movement of the lips 26, 27 necessary to effect release of the bow string 14 from the eye 28.'The adjusting means prevents contact of the shoulders 26A, 27A of lips 26, 27 upon closure of the device whereby there is a gap between the shoulders 26A, 27A of a widthless than the diameter of the bow string 14. In other words, the throat 29 is not fully closed, but of a width less than the diameter of the bow string, whereby the bow string is still maintained in the .eye 28. Parting pivotal movement of the lips 26, 27 necessary to release the bow string is less than would be the case if the lips 26, 27 were in contact. The adjusting means, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, includes a bolt 45 threaded through the first jaw member 19 approximately at the junction of the body portion 22 and the rear finger loop 37. The

end 46 of bolt 45 is adjustably threadable within the expanse between the forward finger loop 35 of second jaw member 20, and the first jaw member 19 to restrict relative pivotal movement of the first and second jaw members in the direction to close the lips 26, 27. When the bolt 45 is completely retracted, pivotal movement between the first and second jaw members is limited by contact of the shoulders 26A, 27A of lips 26, 27. To release th bow string, the first and second lever members 1 19, 20 must be pivoted sufficiently that the shoulders 26A, 27A move from a first position of contact to a second position producing a gap between them equal to" the diameter of the bow string. The release device 18 is usable in such a configuration, with the bolt45 completely retracted, by novice archers. Adjustment of the bolt 45 produces a so-called hair trigger whereby the bow string is released upon extremely slight movement,

thus in a configuration for use by more experienced archers. When the end 46 of bolt 45 is threaded to an in-[ termediate position between forward finger loop 35 of the second jaw 20 and the first jaw 19, pivotal movement of the jaw members in a direction to bring the shoulders 26A, 27A together is limited by a portion of t the forward finger loop 35 contacting the end 46 of bolt leased with very slight movement of the release device 18 and of the fingers of the archer. Much greater consistency is achieved in the force imparted to the arrow and the path of the arrow.

In use, the archer grasps and engages his. fingers in the device in any of several ways as may be most com-. fortable for him. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and.

2, the index finger, indicated at 39, is placed in the for.-

ward finger loop 34 of the first jaw 19. The middle finger, indicated at 41, is placed in the forward finger loop 35 of second jaw 20. The third or ring finger, indicated at 42, is placed in the rear finger loop 37 of first jaw 19.

The thumb is placed in bearing relationship to the outer portion of the rear finger loop 38 of second jaw 20.

Having his fingers so, engaged, and the device 18 in the second or open position of FIG. 3, the archer engages the bow string at the proper vertical location. The mounth 30 defined by the opposing outwardly curved surfaces of lips 26, 27 readily guides thebow string through the throat 29. The nock 12 of arrow 10 set in bow ll rests on the device 18 above the lips 26, 27. The archer closes the lips 26., 27 as by exerting" thumb pressure on the rear finger loop 38 of the second jaw 20 :against theforward finger loop 34 of the first" jaw 19. The bow string 14 is retained in the eye 28 as the archer draws the arrow back with rearward digital pressure in the forward finger loops 34, 35. Upon drawing the bow string back, the rearward digital pressure exerted on the finger loops 34, 35 against the forward bias of the bow string serves to maintain the lips 26, 277 closed, thereby to retain the bow string. Additional digital pressure may be exerted by the thumb 43 pushing the rear finger loop 38 of the second jaw against the forward finger loop 34 of the first jaw 19.

Having so drawn the bow string back, the archer carefully aims and releases the bow string to discharge the arrow. Release is accomplished simply by relaxing the digital pressure on the forward finger loops 34, 35, while holding the release device 18 in place by the rear finger loops 37, 38. The forward bias of the bow string 14 opens the throat 29 effecting release of the bow string and discharge of the arrow. Alternatively, the archer may open the throat 29 to release the bow string 14 by applying a slight pivotal movement with the thumb 43 to the rear finger loop 38, pivoting it slightly away from the forward finger loop 34 to open the throat 29. In either instance, release of the bow string is effected practically instantaneously with a minimum of movement of the release device 18 or the fingers of the archer. The arrow obtains maximum acceleration. The archer will obtain the same consistent force each time to discharge the arrow.

Referring to FIGS. 6 through 9, there is shown a bow string release, indicated generally at 50, according to a second embodiment of the invention. Release 50 has a pair of movably connected, generally symmetrical jaw members 51, 52. First jaw member 51 has an arm 54 defining a forwardly concave finger engaging contour or open finger loop 55. A neck 56 extends from arm 54 diagonally forward to a location opposite the intended axis of travel of the arrow from the open finger loop 55. Neck 56 terminates in a lip 58. Second jaw member 52 has an arm 59 defining a forwardly concave finger engaging contour or second open finger loop 60. A neck 61 extends diagonally forwardly from arm 59 to a location opposite the intended axis of travel from the second open finger loop 60. A lip 62 is located on the end of the neck 61. Second neck 61 and first neck 56 cross one another in proximity to the intended axis of travel of the arrow. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, opposed portions of the necks 56, 61 are recessed so as to be in side-by-side relationship and allow facing relationship of the lips 58, 62. The lips 58, 62 have facing, outwardly curved surfaces, and each is provided with a shoulder 58A, 62A defining an interior facing notch or recess. The lips 58, 62 are movable with the arms 54, 59 toward one another to a first position, as shown in FIG. 7, whereby the recesses defined by facing shoulders 58A, 62A define an eye 64 to accommodate and restrain a section of a bow string 65. As shown in FIG. 6, the lips 58, 62 are movable on jaw members 51, 52 away from each other to a second position defining an open throat 66 for insertion and release of the bow string 65.

Jaw members 51, 52 are movably connected by a flexure beam 68 to permit relative movement of the lips 58, 62 between the open and closed positions. Flexure beam 68 is an elongate, narrow beam connecting the rearward portions of arms 54, 59, being located rearward of the lips 58, 62 and in more or les general lateral alignment with finger loops 55, 60. Flexure beam 68 is disposed perpendicular to and crosses the rearward extension of the intended axis oftravel of an arrow. In the equilibrium or unflexed position of FIG. 6, flexure beam 68 connects the jaw members 51, 52 with the lips 58, 62 biased in the open position. As shown in FIG. 7, upon rearward digital pressure as applied by the fingers 69, 70 to the finger loops 55, 60, flexure beam 68 bends about an axis parallel to the bow string 64, thus produc- 6 ing movement of the lips 58, 62 toward the closed position.

A rear auxiliary lever member or leg 72 extends diagonally rearward from the second arm 59, crossing the rearward projection of the intended axis of travel of the arrow, and terminating proximate the rearward extremity of the first arm 54. Leg 72 has a rearwardly concave thumb engaging contour or depression 73 which facilitates assistance of a thumb 74 in the closing of the lips 58, 62 by allowing digital pressure between the first finger loop 55 and the leg 72 to flex the beam 68.

Means are provided to inhibit full closure of the lips 58, 62 whereby the movement between them to the position open sufficiently to release the bow string is very slight. Means includes a bolt 76 threaded through the leg 72 and having an end 77 terminating in the expanse between the leg 72 and the first arm 54. As shown in FIG. 7, rearward movement of the first arm 54 is inhibited by contacting the end 77 of bolt 76. When such contact is made, the lips 58, 62 are not fully closed, but a gap remains between them of a width less than the diameter of the bow string 64. A so-called hair trigger effect is achieved whereby very slight movement of the lips 58, 62 away from one another will release the bow string.

In the use of the release device 50, the archer preferably grasps the device with the indexfinger 69 engaging the first finger loop 55, and the middle finger 70 engaging the second finger loop 60. The, thumb 74 may engage the contour 73 of leg 72. A bow string is guided through the throat 66. The lips 58, 62 are closed by pressure between the thumb 74 and the index finger 69. As the archer draws the bow string back, the rearward digital pressure exerted by the fingers 69, serves to maintain the lips 58, 62 closed by flexing beam 68. When the archer is ready to release the bow string, he simply relaxes the digital pressure as by relaxing pressure between the thumb 74 and the index finger 69. Flexure beam 68 then biases the lips 58, 62 toward the open position to allow release'of the bow string 64.

Referring to FIGS. 10 through 13, there is shown a bow string release, indicated generally at 80, according to a third embodiment of the invention. Release 80 has a pair of movably connected, generally symmetrical jaw members 81, 82. First jaw member 81 has an arm 84 defining a concave finger engaging contour or closed finger loop 85. A neck 86 extends from arm 84 diagonally forward to a location opposite the intended axis of travel of the arrow from the closed finger loop 85. Neck 86 terminates in a lip 88. Second jaw member 82 has an arm 89 defining 'a' forwardly concave finger engaging contour or a second closed finger loop 90. A

neck 91 extends diagonally forward from arm 89 to a location opposite the intended axis of travel from the second closed finger loop90. A lip 92 is located on the end of neck 91. Second neck 91 and first neck 86 cross one another in proximity to the intended axis of travel of the arrow. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, opposite portions of the necks 86, 91 are recessed so as to be in side-by-side relationship and allow facing relationship of the lips 88, 92. The lips 88, 92 have facing, outwardly curved surfaces, and each is provided with a shoulder 88A, 92A defining an interior notch or recess. The lips 88, 92 are movable with the arms 84, 89 toward one another to a first position, as shown in FIG. 11, whereby the recesses defined by the facing shoulders 88A, 92A define an eye 94 to accommodate and restrain a section of bow string 95. As shown in FIG.

10, the lips 88, 92 are movable on jaw members 81, 82 away from each other to a second position defining an open throat 96 for insertion and release of the bow string 95.

Jaw members 81, 82 are movably connected by a flexure beam 98 to permit relative movement of the lips 88, 92 between the open and closed positions. Flexure beam 98 is constructed similar to the flexure beam 68 of release device 50, including an elongate, narrow beam connecting the rearward portions of arms 84, 89, being located rearward of the lips 88, 92 and rearward of, but in general lateral alignment with, closed finger loops 85, 90. In the equilibrium or unflexed position of FIG. 10, flexure beam 98 connects jaw members 81, 82 with lips 88, 92 biased in the open position. As shown in FIG. 11, upon rearward digital pressure as applied by the fingers 99, 100 to the finger loops 85, 90, flexure beam 98 bends about an axis parallel to bow string 94, thus producing movement of the lips 88, 92 toward the closed position.

A first rear lever member or leg 102 on first jaw 81 extends diagonally rearward from the first arm 84, crossing the rearward projection of the intended axis of travel of the arrow, to a position proximate the rearward extremity of second arm 89. First leg 101 extends beyond the outer lateral extremity of the second arm 89 and terminates in a forwardly concave finger depression 103 adapted to accommodate the third finger 104 of the archer.

A second rear lever member or leg 106 on second jaw 82 extends diagonally rearward from the second arm 89 to a position proximate the rearward extremity of first arm 84. Second leg 106 has a rearwardly concave thumb engaging contour or depression 107 which facilitates assistance of a thumb 108 in the closing of the lips 88, 92 by allowing digital pressure between the first finger loop 85 and the second leg 106 to flex the beam 98.

The second leg 106 has a notch 110 at the juncture with the first leg 102. As shown in FIG. 13, first leg 102 is staggered to one side on the first arm 84, the portion 1 of the first leg 102 in transverse alignment with the second leg 106 being accommodated in the notch 110 whereby the first and second legs 102, 106 are freely movable without interference from one another.

In the use of the release device 80, the archer preferably grasps the device with the index finger 99 engaging the first finger loop 85, and the middle finger 100 engaging the second finger loop 90. The thumb 108 engages the contour 107 of the second leg 106. The general operation of the device 80 is the same as that for the release device 50 of the second embodiment. However, the third finger 104 of the archer engages the depression 103 of the first leg 102. If comfortable for the archer, a portion of the upper palm of the hand may engage the rear extremity of the first leg 102. A bow string 95 is guided through the throat 96. The lips 88, 92 are closed by pressure between the thumb 108 and the index finger 99 to flex the beam 98. As the archer draws the bow string back, the rearward digital pressure exerted by the fingers 99, 100 serves to maintain the lips 88, 92 closed. When the archer is ready to release the bow string, he simply relaxes the digital pressure. Alternatively, the archer may slowly apply we sure of the third finger 104 rearwardly on the first leg 102 to gently open the lips 88, 92 and release the bow string.

8 In FIGS. 14 through 16, there is shown release device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, indicated generally at 112. Release device 112 includes a pair ofjaw members 113, 114 movably connected by flexure beam 116. A first jaw member 113 includes an arm 117 defining a finger engaging contour or first closed finger loop 118. A first lip 119 1 extends diagonally forward on arm 117 from theflfirst finger loop 1 18 to a position adjacent, butnot crossing,

the intended axis of travel of an arrow. Second jaw 114 has an arm 121 defining a finger engaging contour or second closed finger loop 122. A second lip 123 on arm 121 extends diagonally forward from the second finger loop 122 toward the axis of travel of the arrow to a position adjacent the first lip 119. First and second lips 119, 123 have facing shoulders 119A, 123A, each defining an interior facing notch or recess forming. an eye 124 in the closed position of FIG. 14 to retain a bow string 125. In the open or parted position of FIG. 15,

facing shoulders 119A, 123A define an open mounth,

127 for insertion and release of the bow string. It may be seen that the respective lips 119, 123 and the corresponding arm 117, 121 of each jaw member 113, 114 are located on the same side of the intended axis of travel of an arrow and on the opposite side from'each other. Flexure beam 116 connects the rearward portions of the arms 117, 121 whereby the lips 119, 123

are located forward of the flexure beam 16, and the fin-' ger loops 118, 122 are located forward of or, at least, in

general lateral alignment with the flexure beam 116.

On jaw 113, a leg 128 extends rearward from .arm

117 diagonally opposite the lip 119. At the juncture of the first arm 1 17 and the leg 128 is a forwardly directed ledge 129 adapted to be engaged by a finger. Likewise,

on second jaw member 114 extending rearward from.

the second arm 121 is a second leg 131 diagonally opposite the second lip 123. At the juncture of the second arm 121 and second leg 131 is a second forwardly directed ledge 132 adapted to be engaged by a finger. The rearward or free ends of the legs 128, 131 areconnected by a flexure link 133. Flexure link 133 is a resilient member secured at either end to the ends of the legs 128, 131 by suitable fastening means suchas the screws 134. A palm engaging member or stock 136 is 1 fastened midway of flexure link 133 by a suitable bolt 137 and is adapted to be engaged by that portion of the palm of the hand adjacent the thumb joint. It may be seen that manual pressure applied between the arms 117, 121 and the flexure link 133 causes bending of the flexure beam 1 16 and an opening of the lips 119, 123 as finger, indicated at 142, rest on the ledges 129 and 132, respectively. Stock 136 is engaged in that portion of the palm of the hand adjacent the thumb joint, indicated at 143. The archer thus more or less grips the entire device. By a squeezing of the hand toward a first position,

manual or digital pressure is exerted inward between the arms 117, 121 and the flexure link 133. The archer exerts such pressure to open the lips and insert the bow string through the mounth 127 to the eye 124. Relcase of the pressure closes the eye 124, thus to retain the.

bow string. The archer draws the bow string back and a bow string takes aim. Flexure beam 116 biases the lips 119, 123 in the closed position. When the archer is ready to release the arrow, he again exerts the aforementioned manual pressure to part the lips 119, 123. The bow string is thus released to effect discharge of the arrow by a gentle squeeze of the hand. There is minimal movement on the part of the archer and the bow string is released practically instantaneously to achieve maximum acceleration and consistency.

While there have been shown and described four preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further modifications could be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. For example, the positioning of the finger engaging sections of the release device could be altered to suit the comfort and convenience of different archers.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

l. A bow string release device usable in conjunction with an arrow and a bow string mounted on a bow to effect release of the bow string to discharge the arrow along an intended forward longitudinal axis of travel, said device comprising:

first jaw means for engagement by a user and having a first arm means; second jaw means for engagement by a user and having a second arm means;

said first and second jaw means being substantially coplanar in their entirety;

said first and second jaw means being locatable in a,

bow string tensioning position relative to a bow string and a bow which define a generally vertical bow string plane, and relative to an arrow mounted with respect to the bow for intended discharge of an arrow along a forward longitudinal axis of travel;

means connecting the first and second jaw means and permitting relative movement thereof generally about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the first and second jaw means and in said plane formed by a bow and bow string;

said first arm means providing first finger engageable means positioned thereon to accept one of a pair of generally downwardly directed users fingers disposed generally parallel to a strung bow string normally intersecting the plane of said jaw means and receiving digital pressure when said jaw means are in bow string tensioning position;

said second arm means providing second finger engageable means positioned thereon to accept the other of said pair of users fingers when said jaw means are in bow string tensioning position;

said first and second arm means being laterally aligned with each other, with said first and second finger engageable means located on opposite sides of said plane formed by a bow and a bow string when the jaw means are located in bow string tensioning position firstlip means diagonally extended from said first arm means for engaging a bow string during a bow string tensioning operation;

second lip means diagonally extended from said second arm means coacting with the first lip means to hold a bow string therebetween;

said first and second lip means having facing notches and being movable with said jaw means toward 10 each other to a first position with said notches forming a bow string retaining eye, and movable away from each other to a second position to provide an open throat for release of a bow string retained in said eye;

said first and second finger engageable means being positioned between a bow and the means connecting the first and second jaw means when in bow string tensioning position;

said means connecting said first and second jaw means causing said first and second jaw means to be matingly engaged to permit engagement of a bow string by the notches of said lip means with said finger engageable means each positioned to receive one of a pair of users fingers disposed generally parallel to said axis of movement of said first and second jaw means and exerting rearward digital pressure operative to tension the bow string preparatory to release of an arrow.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein: said means connecting said first and second jaw means comprises pivot means pivotally connecting the first and second jaw means.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein: said first arm means and first lip means are located on laterally opposite sides of the bow string plane, and said second arm means and second lip means are located on laterally opposite sides of the bow string plane when said jaw means are located in said tensioning position.

4. The device of claim 3 .wherein: said first arm means includes a first forward finger loop, and said second arm means includes a second forward finger loop and including a first rearwardly extended member extending diagonally rearward on the first jaw means intersecting said bow string plane; and a second rearwardly extended member extending diagonally rearward on the second jaw means intersecting said bow string plane.

5. The device of claim 4 including: adjustable means adjustable to a position to inhibit full closure of the first and second lip means in the first position to form a variable gap between the lip means of a width less than the diameter of the bow string.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein: said means to inhibit full closure of the lip means includes bolt means threadable into one of said rear lever members on one jaw means to contact a portion of the arm of the other jaw means.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein: said means connecting the first jaw means and the second jaw means includes a flexure beam.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein: said first arm means and said first lip means are located on laterally opposite sides of said bow string plane, and said second arm means and second lip means are located on laterally opposite sides of said bow string plane when said jaw means are located in said tensioning position.

9. The device of claim 8 including: a first rear leg means extending diagonally rearward from said first arm means and intersecting said bow string plane and extending to a position rearward of the second arm means for engagement by a thumb for digital pressure between a thumb and a finger engaging the second finger engageable means.

10. The device of claim 9 including: a second rear leg means extending diagonally rearward from the second arm means and intersecting said bow string plane extending to a position rearward of the first arm means.

1 1. The device of claim 9 including: adjustable means adjustable to inhibit full closure of the first and second lip means in the first position to form a variable gap between the lip means of a width less than the diameter of the bow string.

12. The device of claim 7 wherein: said first arm means and first lip means are located on the same side of the bow string plane, and said second arm means and second lip means are located onthe same side of the bow string plane when said jaw means are in said tensioning position, and including a first leg means extending from said first arm means rearward and diagonally opposite the first lip means, a second leg means extending from the second arm means rearwardly diagonally opposite the second lip means, a flexure link connecting the ends of the first leg means and second leg means, said flexure beam normally biasing said first and second lip means in the closed position, said flexure beam being flexed to open the first and second lip means on manual pressure between the flexure link and the first and second finger engageable means.

13. The device of claim 12 including: a stock member located on said fiexure link engageable with the palm of a hand.

14. A bowstring release device for use in conjunction with a bow string mounted on a bow to discharge an arrow along an intended forward lonitudinal axis of travel, said device comprising:

first jaw means for engagement by a user and having a first arm means; second jaw means for engagement by a user and having a second arm means; a

said first and second jaw means being substantially coplanar in their entirety;

means connecting the first and second jaw means and permitting relative movement thereof generally about an axis;

said first and second jaw means being locatable in a bow string tenioning position relative to a bow string and a bow which define a bow string plane, and relative to an arrow mounted with respect to the bow for intended discharge in a forward longitudinal axis of travel;

said first arm means providing a first forwardly facing, finger engageable contour portion positionedto receive one of a pair of users fingers'disposed parallel to said axis of movement and exerting rear-, ward digital pressure;

said second finger engageable contour portion positioned thereon to accept the other of said pair of users fingers;

said first and second finger engageable contour portions being located on opposite sides of a strung bow string when said jaw means are located in bow string tensioning position;

first lip means angularly extended from said first arm means for engaging a bow string druing a bow string tensioning operation;

second lip means angularly extended from said second arm means for coacting with the first lip means to hold a bow string therebetween;

said first and second lip means being positioned substantially between said first and second finger engageable contour portions when said jaw means are in bow string tensioning position;

said first and second lip means having facing notches and being movable with said jaw members toward each other to a first position with said notches forming a bow string retaining eye, and movable away from each other to a second position to provide an open throat for release of a bow string retained in said eye;

said means connecting said first and second jaw means relatively locating said first and second jaw means when in said tensioning position to permit engagement of a bow string by the notches of said lip means, said finger engageable contour portions.

each positioned to receive one of a pair of users fingers while being disposed substantially parallel to said axis of movement of said first and second jaw means, and intersecting the plane of said jaw means and exerting rearward digital pressure oper ative to tension a bow string preparatory to release:

of an arrow and exert force at least partially sufficient to maintain said lips in the first position. 2

15. The device of claim 14 wherein: said firstfinger engageable contour portion and said second finger engageable contour portion are positioned in general lat- 17. The device of claim 16 wherein: said firstarm 1 means includes a first forward finger loop having said first finger engageable contour portion and second arm 7 means includes a second forward finger loop having said second finger engageable contour portion .and including afirst rearwardly extended member extending diagonally rearward on the first jaw means crossing'the bow string plane when said jaw means are in the tensioning position.

18. The device of claim 17 including: a second rearwardly extended member extending diagonally rearward on the second jaw means and crossing thebow string plane. 1

19. The device of claim 17 including: adjustable means adjustable to a position to inhibit full closure of the first and second lip means inthe first position to form a variable gap between the lip means of a width less than the diameter of the bow string.

20. The device of claim 19 wherein: said means to in-, hibit full closure of the lip means includes boltmeans threadable into said first rear lever member on the first jaw means to contact a portion of the second arm means of the second jaw means.

21. The device of claim 14 wherein: said means connecting the first jaw means and the second jaw means includes a flexure beam. 2

22. The device of claim 21 including: a first rear leg means extending diagonally rearward from said first arm means to a position rearward of the second arm means for engagement by a thumb for digital pressure between a thumb and a finger engaging the second finger engageable contour portion to assist in maintaining "the lip means in the first position.

23. The device of claim 22 including: a second rear leg means extending diagonally rearward from the sec fond arm to a position rearward of the first arm means for engagement by a finger. i

24. The device of claim 22 including: adjustable means adjustable to inhibit full closure of the first and second lip means in the first position to form a variable gap between the lips of a width less than the diameter of the bow string.

25. The bow string release of claim 1 wherein:

the means connecting the first and second jaw means includes flexure beam means connecting the first jaw means and the second jaw means flexing in order to have movement thereof of said first and second jaw means relative to one another;

said first arm means and first lip means being located on one side of said bow string plane, and said second arm means and second lip means being located on an opposite side of said bow string plane;

a first leg extending from said first arm means rearward and diagonally opposite the first lip means, a second leg extending from the second arm means palm of a hand.

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 3,921,615 DATED November 25, 1975 INVENTOR(S) PAUL DODGE It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

I Column Column Column Column Column [SEAL] 8 line 20 "mounth" should be "mouth".

8, line 28, "16'' should be ll6.

8 line 66, "mounth" should be mouth 11 ll, 1111s 2'9, "tenioning" should be -tensioning--.

ll line 49, after "second", insert -arm means providing a second forwardly facing- Signed and Sealed this I second Day of March 1976 A lies I:

RUTH C. MASON Arresting Officer C. MARSHALL DANN Commissioner uj'larents and Trademarks 

1. A bow string release device usable in conjunction with an arrow and a bow string mounted on a bow to effect release of the bow string to discharge the arrow along an intended forward longitudinal axis of travel, said device comprising: first jaw means for engagement by a user and having a first arm means; second jaw means for engagement by a user and having a second arm means; said first and second jaw means being substantially coplanar in their entirety; said first and second jaw means being locatable in a bow string tensioning position relative to a bow string and a bow which define a generally vertical bow string plane, and relative to an arrow mounted with respect to the bow for intended discharge of an arrow along a forward longitudinal axis of travel; means connecting the first and second jaw means and permitting relative movement thereof generally about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the first and second jaw means and in said plane formed by a bow and bow string; said first arm means providing first finger engageable means positioned thereon to accept one of a pair of generally downwardly directed user''s fingers disposed generally parallel to a strung bow string normally intersecting the plane of said jaw means anD receiving digital pressure when said jaw means are in bow string tensioning position; said second arm means providing second finger engageable means positioned thereon to accept the other of said pair of user''s fingers when said jaw means are in bow string tensioning position; said first and second arm means being laterally aligned with each other, with said first and second finger engageable means located on opposite sides of said plane formed by a bow and a bow string when the jaw means are located in bow string tensioning position first lip means diagonally extended from said first arm means for engaging a bow string during a bow string tensioning operation; second lip means diagonally extended from said second arm means coacting with the first lip means to hold a bow string therebetween; said first and second lip means having facing notches and being movable with said jaw means toward each other to a first position with said notches forming a bow string retaining eye, and movable away from each other to a second position to provide an open throat for release of a bow string retained in said eye; said first and second finger engageable means being positioned between a bow and the means connecting the first and second jaw means when in bow string tensioning position; said means connecting said first and second jaw means causing said first and second jaw means to be matingly engaged to permit engagement of a bow string by the notches of said lip means with said finger engageable means each positioned to receive one of a pair of user''s fingers disposed generally parallel to said axis of movement of said first and second jaw means and exerting rearward digital pressure operative to tension the bow string preparatory to release of an arrow.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein: said means connecting said first and second jaw means comprises pivot means pivotally connecting the first and second jaw means.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein: said first arm means and first lip means are located on laterally opposite sides of the bow string plane, and said second arm means and second lip means are located on laterally opposite sides of the bow string plane when said jaw means are located in said tensioning position.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein: said first arm means includes a first forward finger loop, and said second arm means includes a second forward finger loop and including a first rearwardly extended member extending diagonally rearward on the first jaw means intersecting said bow string plane; and a second rearwardly extended member extending diagonally rearward on the second jaw means intersecting said bow string plane.
 5. The device of claim 4 including: adjustable means adjustable to a position to inhibit full closure of the first and second lip means in the first position to form a variable gap between the lip means of a width less than the diameter of the bow string.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein: said means to inhibit full closure of the lip means includes bolt means threadable into one of said rear lever members on one jaw means to contact a portion of the arm of the other jaw means.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein: said means connecting the first jaw means and the second jaw means includes a flexure beam.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein: said first arm means and said first lip means are located on laterally opposite sides of said bow string plane, and said second arm means and second lip means are located on laterally opposite sides of said bow string plane when said jaw means are located in said tensioning position.
 9. The device of claim 8 including: a first rear leg means extending diagonally rearward from said first arm means and intersecting said bow string plane and extending to a position rearward of the second arm means for engagement by a thumb for digital pressure between a thumb and a finger engaging the second finger engageable means.
 10. The device of claim 9 including: a secOnd rear leg means extending diagonally rearward from the second arm means and intersecting said bow string plane extending to a position rearward of the first arm means.
 11. The device of claim 9 including: adjustable means adjustable to inhibit full closure of the first and second lip means in the first position to form a variable gap between the lip means of a width less than the diameter of the bow string.
 12. The device of claim 7 wherein: said first arm means and first lip means are located on the same side of the bow string plane, and said second arm means and second lip means are located on the same side of the bow string plane when said jaw means are in said tensioning position, and including a first leg means extending from said first arm means rearward and diagonally opposite the first lip means, a second leg means extending from the second arm means rearwardly diagonally opposite the second lip means, a flexure link connecting the ends of the first leg means and second leg means, said flexure beam normally biasing said first and second lip means in the closed position, said flexure beam being flexed to open the first and second lip means on manual pressure between the flexure link and the first and second finger engageable means.
 13. The device of claim 12 including: a stock member located on said flexure link engageable with the palm of a hand.
 14. A bowstring release device for use in conjunction with a bow string mounted on a bow to discharge an arrow along an intended forward lonitudinal axis of travel, said device comprising: first jaw means for engagement by a user and having a first arm means; second jaw means for engagement by a user and having a second arm means; said first and second jaw means being substantially coplanar in their entirety; means connecting the first and second jaw means and permitting relative movement thereof generally about an axis; said first and second jaw means being locatable in a bow string tenioning position relative to a bow string and a bow which define a bow string plane, and relative to an arrow mounted with respect to the bow for intended discharge in a forward longitudinal axis of travel; said first arm means providing a first forwardly facing, finger engageable contour portion positioned to receive one of a pair of user''s fingers disposed parallel to said axis of movement and exerting rearward digital pressure; said second finger engageable contour portion positioned thereon to accept the other of said pair of user''s fingers; said first and second finger engageable contour portions being located on opposite sides of a strung bow string when said jaw means are located in bow string tensioning position; first lip means angularly extended from said first arm means for engaging a bow string druing a bow string tensioning operation; second lip means angularly extended from said second arm means for coacting with the first lip means to hold a bow string therebetween; said first and second lip means being positioned substantially between said first and second finger engageable contour portions when said jaw means are in bow string tensioning position; said first and second lip means having facing notches and being movable with said jaw members toward each other to a first position with said notches forming a bow string retaining eye, and movable away from each other to a second position to provide an open throat for release of a bow string retained in said eye; said means connecting said first and second jaw means relatively locating said first and second jaw means when in said tensioning position to permit engagement of a bow string by the notches of said lip means, said finger engageable contour portions each positioned to receive one of a pair of user''s fingers while being disposed substantially parallel to said axis of movement of said first and second jaw means, and intersecting the plane of said jaw means and exerting rearward digital pressUre operative to tension a bow string preparatory to release of an arrow and exert force at least partially sufficient to maintain said lips in the first position.
 15. The device of claim 14 wherein: said first finger engageable contour portion and said second finger engageable contour portion are positioned in general lateral alignment with the means connecting the first jaw means and the second jaw means.
 16. The device of claim 14 wherein: the means connecting the first jaw means and the second jaw means include pivot means pivotally connecting the first jaw means and the second jaw means.
 17. The device of claim 16 wherein: said first arm means includes a first forward finger loop having said first finger engageable contour portion and second arm means includes a second forward finger loop having said second finger engageable contour portion and including a first rearwardly extended member extending diagonally rearward on the first jaw means crossing the bow string plane when said jaw means are in the tensioning position.
 18. The device of claim 17 including: a second rearwardly extended member extending diagonally rearward on the second jaw means and crossing the bow string plane.
 19. The device of claim 17 including: adjustable means adjustable to a position to inhibit full closure of the first and second lip means in the first position to form a variable gap between the lip means of a width less than the diameter of the bow string.
 20. The device of claim 19 wherein: said means to inhibit full closure of the lip means includes bolt means threadable into said first rear lever member on the first jaw means to contact a portion of the second arm means of the second jaw means.
 21. The device of claim 14 wherein: said means connecting the first jaw means and the second jaw means includes a flexure beam.
 22. The device of claim 21 including: a first rear leg means extending diagonally rearward from said first arm means to a position rearward of the second arm means for engagement by a thumb for digital pressure between a thumb and a finger engaging the second finger engageable contour portion to assist in maintaining the lip means in the first position.
 23. The device of claim 22 including: a second rear leg means extending diagonally rearward from the second arm to a position rearward of the first arm means for engagement by a finger.
 24. The device of claim 22 including: adjustable means adjustable to inhibit full closure of the first and second lip means in the first position to form a variable gap between the lips of a width less than the diameter of the bow string.
 25. The bow string release of claim 1 wherein: the means connecting the first and second jaw means includes flexure beam means connecting the first jaw means and the second jaw means flexing in order to have movement thereof of said first and second jaw means relative to one another; said first arm means and first lip means being located on one side of said bow string plane, and said second arm means and second lip means being located on an opposite side of said bow string plane; a first leg extending from said first arm means rearward and diagonally opposite the first lip means, a second leg extending from the second arm means rearwardly diagonally opposite the second lip means, a flexure link connecting the ends of the first leg and second leg, said flexure beam normally biasing said first and second lip means in the first position, said flexure beam being flexed to open the first and second lips to the second position on manual pressure between the flexure link and the first and second finger engaging contour means.
 26. The device of claim 25 including: a stock member located on said flexure link for engagement with the palm of a hand. 